Royal Palm

A place where memories were served by the case.
And I say «were» because it is so to be no more.
We’ll miss you and your fantastic jukebox, wonderful booths and beautiful ceiling tiles.
RIP.

Dirty, overpriced, and crowded, but usually one hell of a time. Don’t expect anything special or unique, but if you are a student in Ithaca, you have to go here. I can’t explain it but the Palms has a sort of aura that just sucks you in. You probably won’t see too many people over 30 here. Its definitely a college bar.

The most frat-​tastic bar in upper collegetown. Good for a quick beer/​shot and a glimpse into undergrad life at Cornell, not worth going out of your way for.

The best thing you can say about the palms is that it’s a bar.

This is COLLEGE! All the good reviews here sum it up: great music to rock out to, cheap drinks, swampy floors, impromptu make-​out sessions, etc. and then you stumble out and grab some College Town Pizza, duh. AND when it’s nice out the back area is the only bar where you can drink outside in collegetown.

Do they still have those yellow tshirts with the palm tree on it? How can I get one mailed to me? XXL.

I used to live across the street from here and there was always a small crowd outside. It was never too loud here that it would disturb us, but there was a sizeable amount of noise (aka «fun») going on.
I came here once for a Zinck’s night event, so it was naturally packed. We had a hard time getting a table/​booth. We ordered from an array of beers (I ordered the Yuengling).
The place is sort of dark and seedy/​divey, but that’s sort of the charm of the place. Definitely a fun place to just relax after a long day and have fun with friends.

Yay!
This place is super old and divey, but I love it. Drinks are cheap, you don’t have to worry or care about how you’re dressed, and they have darts!
There’s a jukebox, which is always spitting out fun 80s tunes and music that fits in with the dive bar aura.
There’s usually a decent line to get in which means it gets super crowded and sweaty in there, but that’s part of the charm. Just remember to wear something that you won’t mind getting soaked in beer because someone is bound to spill on you. Or, someone is bound to bump into you, causing you to spill on yourself.
I’ve seen many people getting kicked out, not always sure of the reasons, but just try to behave somewhat decently, unless it is your goal to be escorted off the premises.

Opened for business in 1941; though I’ve only been coming since ’68.
Quiet afternoons and SRO by 11 pm.
An institution with locals and students alike, Len and Joe carry on the Leonardo family tradition with honest upstate character.

The other quintessential dive bar that defines many a night I remember (or forget?) from college. Cheap drinks, darts, good jukebox, long communal picnic style tables in back, lots of booths, and names carved or written all over the place (last weekend I was able to walk in and go straight to mine, that was fun). When I went to visit for Reunion last weekend, this was the first stop on the evening’s agenda. So many fond memories I will always have of this place!

When I close my eyes and click my heels three times, I can only hope to be transported to the Palms. Every moment in this dive bar is pure bliss.
If you find yourself in Ithaca at any point, you need to make the Palms a destination. However, there are a few key pieces of information that you need to accept.
1. Attire — Anything goes… I’ve been in the Palms wearing everything from jeans and a t-​shirt to a suit and tie to pajamas and slippers to a full on tux. Come one, come all. Just be ready to sweat.
2. Beverages — Like most bars in Collegetown, the Palms has a full bar. However, I recommended one of drinks that makes the Palms truly classy: a bottle of Busch Light. In a bar like this… don’t bother trying to make it something that it is not.
3. Music — One word… JUKEBOX. When you arrive, make sure you have a roll of quarters and a passion for Journey «Don’t Stop Believing.» The only music that does (and should) play here is the music that makes everybody jump up and down and point at each other while screaming. The playlist could easily be a VH1 countdown.
4. Timing — While many bars in Collegetown start filling up around 9pm, do NOT go to the Palms until «Palms o’clock» which on the normal clock is 12:15am. While you will likely have to wait in line to get in (and guys, sometimes you have a whopping $ 1 cover) once you enter through the door, you are guaranteed the greatest 30 minutes of the evening!
5. Aftermath — If you do the Palms right there are a few steps you will need to take to ensure full recovery. Once you get home, make sure to drink some Gatorade… you need your electrolytes replenished. Second, jump in the shower to clean off the spilled beer and sweat. Lastly, get some ice packs for your shins, or as I like to refer to them as «Palms Legs.» These are the bruises you will get from standing on the benches and bumping your shins against the tables while trying to dance to some Whitney Houston.
Word of caution… it’s easy to be kicked out of the Palms. Watch out. Also, if you are using a credit card to pay, they won’t let you cash out between midnight and 1am. Don’t expect it.

5 STARS TO THE BEST DIVE BAR IN THE WORLD. it’s hilarious that we line up for this.
i mean, this place is filled with picnic tables people. i onc